Dearborn County, IN Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

The Dearborn County Board of Commissioners regulates exotic animals in Chapter 90 of the county code, the animal control chapter enforced by Dearborn County Animal Control. Section 90.02 defines an exotic animal as any animal that is native to a foreign country or of foreign origin or character, is not native to the United States, or was introduced from abroad. The definition names lions, tigers, leopards, elephants, camels, antelope, anteaters, kangaroos and water buffalo, plus foreign domestic cattle species such as Ankole, Gayal and Yak, and the phrase "such as, but not limited to" makes that list an example rather than a limit.

Section 90.23 then sets two duties. First, exotic animals can be possessed only with proper licensing with state and federal authorities, so the county code does not create its own exotic animal permit or fee. Second, the owner or harborer must notify Dearborn County Animal Control of the presence of the exotic animals. Both duties fall on the person who owns or harbors the animal, not on a seller or a landlord.

Chapter 90 draws a separate line for ordinary pets. Its definition of a domestic animal names a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, lizard, iguana, fish, hamster, ferret, mouse, snake, spider, bird or gerbil, any animal that can normally be held, sold or maintained as a pet. Compare a particular species against both definitions before assuming which one applies. Commercial animal establishments under § 90.22, such as a zoological park or circus, are a separate category with their own standards, including permanent-location and zoning rules.